The Design
In the early spring of 2022, a unique opportunity arose to transform an inoperative swimming pool into a garden.
Fortunately, the site met many of the basic requirements for a garden: plenty of direct sunlight, a weed-free base of sand and clay under foot, and fortress-like metal walls to keep out deer, groundhogs, and other critters.
Still, there were many challenges ahead, especially with little gardening or building experience. I did ample research, created a design, and collaborated with others to bring the project to fruition.
The Build
First I got my hands dirty ripping out the pool liner and draining the water and muck which had settled at the bottom. Then I enlisted help to build an entrance gate on the ground level and safety railings on the upper deck, which doubled as a trellis.
The project had a tight budget, so I reused materials as much as possible. I dug out and hauled large quantities of stray brick and stone from other areas of the property. After a quick hands-on tutorial on mortaring, I constructed raised garden beds. I heavily tilled the layers of compacted sand and clay to prepare for the delivery of topsoil and compost to finish off the beds. Finally, it was time to plant!
The Garden
I closely tended to the garden all season, researching best practices and solutions to challenges along the way. I learned a great deal about planting, mulching, fertilizing, watering, staking, pruning, harvesting, composting, and applying natural pest and fungal treatments.
A large variety of crops were planted, including: tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions, garlic, peas, watermelons, squash, cucumbers, kale, spinach, carrots, eggplants, rutabagas, basil, chives, flowers, and beans.
